US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Trump Says No Hormuz Strait Tolls During 60-Day Iran Ceasefire 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
The U.S. dollar held onto its sharpest gain in a week on Wednesday, driven by safe-haven buying after an Iranian missile attack on Israel, heightening concerns of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Euro, Yen, and Safe-Haven Currencies React
In early Asia trade, the euro dipped below $1.10, marking its largest drop in nearly four months. The yen and Swiss franc remained steady at 143.45 per dollar and 0.8463 per dollar, respectively, while the New Zealand dollar nursed a 1.1% overnight fall to $0.6283. Oil prices also spiked 2.5% on the news.
U.S. Dollar Index Surges Amid Tensions and Data
The U.S. dollar index jumped about 0.5% overnight to 101.2, its largest rise since September 25. The increase was partly fueled by a stronger-than-expected U.S. job openings report, adding to safe-haven demand amidst Middle East unrest.
Israeli-Iranian Tensions Drive Market Uncertainty
Israel reported more than 180 ballistic missiles fired by Iran, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming the attack was in retaliation for Israeli actions against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. No injuries were reported, but potential escalation concerns linger as Israel considers further military responses.
Oil prices are expected to fluctuate depending on Israel’s next steps, particularly if it targets Iran's military or oil assets, according to ANZ analysts.
Other Currencies and Market Reactions
The Australian dollar fell to $0.6883, though upbeat retail sales data limited losses. The British pound also saw a 0.7% drop before stabilizing at $1.3278 in early Asian trade.
New Zealand Interest Rate Outlook
A business survey in New Zealand suggested rapidly cooling price pressures, raising the likelihood of a 50-basis point rate cut next week. Westpac and BNZ have revised their forecasts to reflect this expectation, with markets pricing in a 77% probability.
U.S. Domestic Developments
Traders are also monitoring the ongoing dockworkers' strike on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, which has halted about half of the country's ocean shipping. Additionally, a vice-presidential debate between Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance is scheduled for later in the day, along with anticipated U.S. private payroll data.
